Success Story: San and Wolves Bakeshop

From Pop-Up Passion to Permanent Home: Vegan Filipino Bakery Opens Long Beach Storefront

Location: Southern California | Los Angeles County | Long Beach

Business Type: Bakery/Cafe (Vegan Filipino Baked Goods)

Small Business Center: Long Beach SBDC

Assistance Received: Business Planning, Financial Projections, Leasing Process Support, and Operations Planning

California State Assembly District: 69 

California State Senate District: 33 

Visit San and Wolves Bakeshop online

Kym Torres, a first-generation Filipino American, founded San & Wolves Bakeshop in Brooklyn, New York. Later, Kym and her Husband Arvin, who had grown up in Long Beach, decided to move back to Arvin’s hometown, where they continued to sell their vegan baked goods in SoCal. The business kept growing, and due to the increasing numbers of customers, Kym began warming up to the idea of moving into a brick-and-mortar location. 

“I didn’t even think it was possible, I don’t come from money,” Kym recalled. But the demand was undeniable. Lines regularly wrapped down the block at pop-ups, with customers often leaving empty-handed after she sold out. 

Kym started working with SBDC business advisor Karie Armstrong, with the initial focus on financial projections and addressing the leasing process. Kym and Karie worked on the San & Wolves business plan to prepare for the loan process, during which time Kym worked ferociously to increase production, which required doing multiple events as well as catering orders, custom cake orders, and wholesale orders. 

Kym and Karie were immersed in everything from revising financial projections to discussing total build-out costs. Then, fast-forwarding to June 2023, Kym and Karie discussed the process of opening a brick-and-mortar bakery, including regulatory filing, zoning and permits. They also discussed how to obtain a certificate of occupancy, the loan process, and purchasing equipment. Karie explained that the loan fees and equipment costs would be contingent upon the type of loan and that contractors may or may not handle equipment purchases with a markup. 

In addition to this, Kym and Karie addressed topics such as separating personal and business finances, how to calculate suggested and actual selling prices, how to create a weekly payroll budget, and how to tackle payroll taxes. They discussed the importance of using a payroll company and the importance of paying oneself as an owner and how to determine the appropriate amount. They also talked about the process of opening a restaurant, including zoning approval and revenue projections, sales and how to maintain a labor ratio of 30 percent or less. 

Kym worked with her contractor about the importance of ensuring proper safety measures in the building, such as secure shelves, emergency exits and adequate lighting. And with Karie, Kym discussed the roles and responsibilities of managing a bakery business. There was also further discussion about financial projections, including expenses, cash flow, revenue goals, and cost of goods sold. 

Then, the build-out began and was completed about a year later. Earlier this year, Kym and Arvin, her partner in life and now business, began hiring a team to help run the business, adding 11 part-time employees began official training. 

“Karie, who is very good about getting straight to the point, helped simplify things for me and gave me confidence that a brick-and-mortar location was possible!” Kym shared. 

Kym and Arvin are both very clear about the tone they want to set with San & Wolves Bakeshop, with a huge emphasis on creating a healthy and positive work environment and on being proactive members of their community. Today, the bakery serves as Long Beach’s first vegan Filipino bakeshop, offering traditional and new Filipino desserts and sweet breads, all made from scratch and free of soy, nuts, and palm oil. 

Go to San & Wolves Bakeshop to explore their menu of vegan Filipino baked goods and experience the community they’ve built in Long Beach. 

The Long Beach SBDC is part of the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network, providing high-quality business and economic development assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Services include no-cost business advising and low-cost training covering business planning, financial management, loan application assistance, operations, marketing, and more. If you’re an entrepreneur in the Long Beach area looking to open a brick-and-mortar location or grow your existing business, connect with the Long Beach SBDC for support. 

6/1/2026